Twenty-four Pirate athletes are in the Denver area today, competing in the Colorado Class 3A state track meet.

In order to reach the final meet of the year, individuals and teams had to either post a pre-qualifying time or distance at a previous meet, or finish in the top three in an event at last Saturday’s regional track meet at Pueblo.

A number of Pirate boys not only placed in the top three, but won their events at the regional competition

Willie Wilkins took first place in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints. Wilkins won the 100 with a time of 11.55 seconds and topped the field in the 200 with a time of 23.46.

“Willie is one of the only true sprinters we’ve had here in a long time,” said coach Scott White. “He is going to have to step it up now; the competition at state will be tough.”

Ryan Stahl also had two first-place finishes at Pueblo. The senior won the 110 hurdles at 16.80, and was first in the 300 hurdles with a time of 43.16.

“Ryan is fearless,” said White. “You have to appreciate his enthusiasm and his work ethic.”

Zach Lucero beat the field in the 800. The junior finished with a time of 2:04.74.

“Zach dropped almost two seconds from his time,” said the coach. “He’s coming on strong.”